The choice of the "best" PHP framework depends on several factors, including the specific requirements of your project, your team's familiarity with the framework, and the level of community support available. Among the widely recognized PHP frameworks, three prominent options are Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter.

Laravel is renowned for its elegant and developer-friendly syntax. It offers an array of features, such as an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) system called Eloquent, a robust routing system, built-in authentication, and a templating engine called Blade. Laravel is particularly well-suited for modern web application development.

Symfony, on the other hand, is known for its flexibility and modularity. It stands out due to its reusable components, which can be employed independently of the framework itself. Symfony prioritizes code quality and maintainability and is often chosen for large-scale, enterprise-level applications.

CodeIgniter is characterized by its simplicity and lightweight nature. It is an excellent choice for projects where speed and simplicity are paramount. CodeIgniter boasts a shallow learning curve, clear documentation, and numerous tutorials, making it accessible to developers of varying skill levels.

Ultimately, the decision regarding the "best" PHP framework hinges on the specific needs of your project. Laravel is favored for contemporary web app development, Symfony for its adaptability and scalability, and CodeIgniter for smaller projects or those with tight deadlines. It is advisable to carefully evaluate your project's requirements and your team's skill set before selecting the framework that aligns best with your goals and resources.